UAE And UK Conclude Strategic Dialogue On Combating Illicit Finance In London

The United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom recently concluded important discussions in London on 2-3 September 2025. These meetings focused on enhancing bilateral efforts to combat illicit finance globally. The two-day event highlighted the strong partnership between the UAE and the UK, aiming to protect the international financial system and disrupt criminal networks worldwide.

Hamid AlZaabi, Secretary-General and Vice Chair of the UAE National Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organisations Committee (NAMLCFTC), led the UAE delegation. Dan Jarvis MP, UK Minister of State for Security, welcomed them. Senior officials from both nations' key institutions participated, including His Majesty’s Treasury, UAE Ministry of Economy, UK Home Office, and UAE Ministry of Interior.

The meetings aimed to deepen collaboration on strategic priorities. They enhanced dialogue and facilitated information exchange across regulatory, supervisory, law enforcement, and judicial areas. This cooperation is crucial for tackling global financial crime effectively.

During the visit, a roundtable with private sector members was organised by the UK-UAE Business Council at the UAE Embassy in London. Before arriving in London, representatives attended the 42nd Cambridge International Symposium on Economic Crime to share insights on combating cross-border crime.

Hamid AlZaabi stated, "Financial crime is global in nature, and tackling it requires global solutions. The UAE and the UK are strongly committed to combating illicit finance, and this week’s discussions were productive, paving the way for increased operational effectiveness while also supporting bilateral trade."

Enhancing Operational Effectiveness

The outcomes of these discussions will contribute to broader strategic cooperation between the UAE and UK. This reinforces their commitment to fighting illicit finance while advancing judicial and law enforcement collaboration. Such efforts support global financial stability.

Dan Jarvis MP remarked, "Our engagement with the UAE marks a significant step in our joint efforts to tackle illicit finance and disrupt international criminal networks who rely on it. Through cross-border co-operation, together we can safeguard the security of both our nations whilst better protecting communities from serious harm caused by money laundering and international criminality."

This visit underscores both countries' dedication to safeguarding their financial systems against threats posed by organised crime networks. By working together closely across various sectors involved in combating financial crimes globally, they aim for greater operational success.

With inputs from WAM